MANILA — Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over Metro Manila and several parts of Luzon on Wednesday due to the southwest monsoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 4 a.m. weather forecast, PAGASA said Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Benguet, Abra, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Palawan, Marinduque, and Oriental and Occidental Mindoro may experience moderate to at times heavy rains.

The weather conditions could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas vulnerable to these hazards.

The rest of Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms caused by the southwest monsoon.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms are forecast over the Visayas and Mindanao due to localized thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may also cause flash floods or landslides.

Strong winds, rough seas

PAGASA said the northern and western sections of Luzon will experience moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest, with coastal waters expected to be moderate to rough at 2.1 to 3.1 meters.

The rest of Luzon will have light to moderate southwest winds and slight to moderate coastal waters ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 meters.

Visayas and Mindanao will experience light to moderate winds from the south to southwest, with coastal waters ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters.

Tropical cyclone outside PAR

As of 3 a.m., a tropical depression was located 1,990 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

It had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, with gustiness of up to 70 kph, and was moving east-northeastward at 30 kph.